Abstract:
A transfer film is provided which includes a sacrificial template layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface comprises a non-planar structured surface and a thermally stable backfill layer applied to the second surface of the sacrificial template layer, wherein the backfill layer has a structured surface corresponding with and applied to the non-planar structured surface of the sacrificial template layer. The sacrificial template layer comprises oriented dimensionally anisotropic inorganic nanomaterials and is capable of being removed from the backfill layer while leaving the structured surface of the backfill layer and the oriented dimensionally anisotropic inorganic nanomaterials substantially intact.
Abstract:
A transfer tape is disclosed that includes a carrier, a template layer having a first surface applied to the carrier and having a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface comprises a non-planar structured surface, a release coating disposed upon the non-planar structured surface of the template layer, and a backfill layer disposed upon and conforming to the non-planar structured surface of the release coating. In some embodiments, the backfill layer includes a silsesquioxane such as polyvinyl silsesquioxane. The disclosed transfer tape can be used to transfer replicated structures to a receptor substrate.
Abstract:
Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
Abstract:
A transfer film is provided which includes a sacrificial template layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface comprises a non-planar structured surface and a thermally stable backfill layer applied to the second surface of the sacrificial template layer, wherein the backfill layer has a structured surface corresponding with and applied to the non-planar structured surface of the sacrificial template layer. The sacrificial template layer comprises oriented dimensionally anisotropic inorganic nanomaterials and is capable of being removed from the backfill layer while leaving the structured surface of the backfill layer and the oriented dimensionally anisotropic inorganic nanomaterials substantially intact.
Abstract:
A method of making patterned structured solid surfaces is disclosed that includes filling a structured template with backfill material to produce a structured transfer film, patternwise curing the backfill material to produce cured areas and uncured areas in the structured transfer film, and laminating the structured transfer film to a receptor substrate. The structured template is capable of being removed to form structured and unstructured backfill layers. The structured and unstructured backfill layers may then be blanket cured. The backfill layer can include at least two different materials, one of which can be an adhesion promotion layer. In some embodiments the backfill layer includes a silsesquioxane such as polyvinyl silsesquioxane. The structured transfer film is a stable intermediate that can be covered temporarily with a release liner for storage and handling.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
Abstract:
Methods for transferring nanoparticles and nanowires to permanent glass receptors using transfer films. The transfer films include nanoparticles within a sacrificial material having a structured backfill layer on a substrate and a nanowire formulation between sacrificial substrates. To transfer the nanoparticles, the transfer film is laminated to a glass receptor, the substrate is removed, and the sacrificial material is baked-out to leave the nanoparticles aligned within the structured surface of the backfill layer on the glass receptor. To transfer the nanowires, the transfer film is laminated to a glass receptor, and the sacrificial substrates are baked-out to leave the nanowires aligned on the glass receptor.
Abstract:
Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface that is hard and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or pressure/heat. The embossing causes the tool structures to distort the liner and the adhesive layer, and causes permanent topological changes in a portion of the adhesive layer, but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. The portions of topologically changed adhesive can form convex structures that are permanent. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the concave structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but the convex structures are stable.
Abstract:
Methods of making articles using structured tapes are disclosed. The structured tapes may include a structured template layer having a structured surface and an opposed second surface and an uncured backfill layer, the uncured backfill layer has a lower refractive index than the structured template layer, and the uncured backfill layer has a structured surface conforming to the structured surface of the structured template layer and an opposed second surface. The structured tapes may include a structured template layer having a structured surface and an opposed second surface and an uncured backfill layer, the uncured backfill layer has a higher refractive index than the structured template layer, and the uncured backfill layer has a structured surface conforming to the structured surface of the structured template layer and an opposed second surface. The structure tapes may be laminated via the uncured backfill layer to a receptor substrate to form an article.